Report: 'American Idol' to fire all four judges

CaptionSeason 10 winner: Scotty McCreery

Frazer Harrison / Getty Images

Scotty McCreery took home the Idol win in 2011 and he's tried to get the most out of his newfound fame. The country crooner hit the road with his fellow contestants before releasing "Clear As Day" in October. The album was an instant hit, going to No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Despite his early...

Scotty McCreery took home the Idol win in 2011 and he's tried to get the most out of his newfound fame. The country crooner hit the road with his fellow contestants before releasing "Clear As Day" in October. The album was an instant hit, going to No. 1 on the Billboard 200. Despite his early... (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

DeWyze has suffered a few blows since his first album, "Live It Up," was released in 2010. He landed in a heated Twitter feud with "American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe after he passed on the chance to present Scotty McCreery as the winner on the Season 10 finale. A few months later he was...

DeWyze has suffered a few blows since his first album, "Live It Up," was released in 2010. He landed in a heated Twitter feud with "American Idol" producer Nigel Lythgoe after he passed on the chance to present Scotty McCreery as the winner on the Season 10 finale. A few months later he was... (Stephen Lovekin / Getty Images)

After the "Idol" hype surrounding his win over Adam Lambert died down, Allen released a self-titled album in 2009. Soon after, he joined country crooner Keith Urban on tour as his opening act. He even gave acting a try, making his debut on TeenNick TV's show "Gigantic" in 2011. In addition,...

After the "Idol" hype surrounding his win over Adam Lambert died down, Allen released a self-titled album in 2009. Soon after, he joined country crooner Keith Urban on tour as his opening act. He even gave acting a try, making his debut on TeenNick TV's show "Gigantic" in 2011. In addition,... (Michael Becker / Fox)

Cook, who enjoyed early success with his first "David Cook" album and Declaration Tour, released his sophomore offering, "This Loud Morning," in June 2011. The singer promoted his new tunes on "Idol" season 10 before hitting the road for a fall tour.

Cook, who enjoyed early success with his first "David Cook" album and Declaration Tour, released his sophomore offering, "This Loud Morning," in June 2011. The singer promoted his new tunes on "Idol" season 10 before hitting the road for a fall tour. (Fox)

After releasing her sophomore album "Battlefield" in 2009, Sparks toured with the Jonas Brothers and Britney Spears before launching her first headlining tour in summer 2010. Her rising star includes acting gigs on "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" and "Big Time Rush" as well as a 12-week run...

After releasing her sophomore album "Battlefield" in 2009, Sparks toured with the Jonas Brothers and Britney Spears before launching her first headlining tour in summer 2010. Her rising star includes acting gigs on "The Suite Life of Zack and Cody" and "Big Time Rush" as well as a 12-week run... (Larry Busacca / Getty Images for Nickelodeon)

Fox's hit singing show is planning to boot its entire judging panel -- Mariah Carey, Randy Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban -- when the show returns next season, according to a new report. Even longtime executive producer Nigel Lythgoe will get the hook, according to the Wrap, citing an unidentified insider.

If the changes are coming, they might not surprise fans. "Idol" has endured back-to-back seasons of double-digit ratings declines. Fox, which was rendered bulletproof for years thanks to "Idol," is struggling to right the ship.

Tensions behind the scenes have spilled out onscreen. Carey -- whom many critics have seen as a bland presence on the show -- recently began offering feedback on one contestant by archly noting that the producers had criticized her performance as a judge.

Earlier this season, Minaj caused frayed tempers by showing up nearly 15 minutes late to "Idol's" first live show of the season.

Meanwhile, NBC's "The Voice" has done a better job hanging on to its core audience -- despite the addition of new judges Shakira and Usher this season.

Although no one went home last week on "American Idol," one of the four remaining singers will be cut this week, Ryan Seacrest assured us on Wednesday night. After all, he said, there are only two weeks left until the finale.

Oh, America. How will you decide? On Wednesday night, the "American Idol" Top 3 — Kree Harrison, Candice Glover and Angie Miller — proved yet again that any of them is worthy of the win. Each sang three songs apiece, none of their own choosing. Round 1 songs were selected by...

NBC Universal is in talks to bring back Andrew Lack to its troubled news operation, which would be the first high-level shake-up following several rough months culminating in the six-month suspension of "Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams for misleading viewers about his experiences covering...